Playwright Ishmael Reed brings the legendary tale of Shine to life, expanding the original “toast” about a Black worker who warns of the Titanic’s sinking into a powerful exploration of race, class, immigration, and Edwardian morality. By placing Shine on trial as both the accused and his own defense attorney, Reed deepens the narrative, turning it into a critique of systemic injustice and a celebration of Black prophetic tradition. Inspired by the need to preserve cultural storytelling amidst efforts to suppress Black and minority histories, the play serves as both a tribute to oral traditions and a call to safeguard diverse narratives for future generations.